KC Week in Review Friday, June 15, 2012

MISSION PULLS PLUG ON AQUARIUM: Longtime plans to build a destination aquarium in Johnson County, much bigger in fact than the one recently opened at Crown Center, come to an abrupt halt this week.

U-S SENATE RACE HEATS UP: Is President Obama giving up on Missouri? And if so, does that only hurt Claire McCaskill in her bid to win re-election to the U-S Senate?

SHUFFLING THE POLITICAL DECKS IN KANSAS: The political news in Kansas centers on the chaos over redistricting as hundreds of candidates file for office in brand new political districts while some longtime incumbents see their seats totally vanish.

CROWN CENTER SHUTS DOWN A SUMMER TRADITION: It’s not summer in Kansas City for many families with small children, without a cool down at the Crown Center fountains. But that decades long tradition is now over. Crown Center is adopting a zero tolerance policy. No more splashing and cavorting in its water. Some surprised parents are now threatening a boycott of the shopping area.

OP ARBORETUM ART CONTROVERSY: It’s a story that is not going away. Now citizens are hoping to convene a grand jury to take up the issue of a headless bare breasted statue on the grounds of the south Overland Park attraction.

SLY JAMES WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE: Kansas City Mayor Sly James is trying to lose weight. He launched a weight loss challenge this week with Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce President Jim Heeter. Other plus-sized mayors and governors, for that matter, have used their girth to push for massive citywide campaigns that have transformed eating habits and have helped get their communities moving and in shape. But is there any sense this is more than just a cute photo-op?